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world4h ago
Did a military lawyer witness the Venezuela 'double tap' boat strike? Experts say one should have
- The Pentagon is facing renewed questions over the September 2 strike on a Venezuelan drug boat after ABC News reported a military lawyer was present.
- Experts say a JAG’s presence would fit a counterterrorism framework, where real-time legal input helps assess target legality.
- The debate centers on whether the two survivors were still able to pose an imminent threat when the second strike occurred.
- Pentagon officials say the operation was a counterterrorism mission targeting members of the Tren de Aragua network.
- Experts warn that shipwrecked individuals retain protection unless they actively rejoin hostilities.
- The report indicates the White House says Hegseth monitored the first strike but did not view footage of the follow-on engagement.
- Rachel VanLandingham, a former JAG, says the presence of a lawyer does not change the underlying legal standards.
- The Pentagon denies that Pete Hegseth influenced the decision on the second strike.
- Trump has highlighted the strikes and released video of the engagement on Truth Social.
- The story remains contested until the Pentagon provides a fuller accounting of the operation.
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